Bike lanes are beneficial, but they are not a guarantee against all accidents. You ride past stopped cars, along high traffic flows, and rely on drivers to look into mirrors before opening doors. If you get hurt in the event of a sudden door or lane squeeze, you should receive clear, practical guidance—minus the legalese.
Why “dooring” and bike-lane crashes keep happening here
Phoenix’s longer daylight hours and more crowded arterials mean increased numbers of riders and more interactions with stopped traffic. Arizona state crash data indicate bicycle crashes within the state carried a 3.19% fatality rate in 2024. Hitting can result in serious injury at low speeds.
Two kinds of patterns are most common: a driver opens a door in front of you, or a car crosses the bike path to turn, park, or make a delivery. Both put you at risk of direct impact and secondary falls into traffic.
Your rights under Arizona law
Safe door opening is the driver’s responsibility
Arizona law forbids opening a car door other than when it is reasonably safe and does not impede traffic. That goes for cyclists as well. It is that individual’s responsibility entirely.
Cyclists have roadway rights and limitations
When you’re riding on the road, you’re entitled to the same rights and duties as motorists. You can ride in bike lanes and must ride as far right as possible, with reasonable exceptions (avoiding obstructions, preparing for a turn, passing).
Deadlines and fault rules that matter
Most injury claims in Arizona carry a two-year filing deadline. Miss that, and your claim is usually barred. Plus, if a city vehicle or public road condition is present, you must serve a formal notice of claim within 180 days. Comparative negligence applies in Arizona, reducing recovery by your share of fault but not barring it unless the behavior was intentional or willful.
Use these guidelines to defend your timeline. They apply to Phoenix bike accidents, whether due to a door swing, a right-hook, or a lane encroachment.
What to do after a dooring or lane collision
- Roll out and complete 911. Request police and medical evaluation.
- Document the scene: the vehicle, door position, the bike lane, debris, and your injuries.
- Get names, license plates, insurance, and contact info for witnesses.
- Get medical attention the same day – even for “minor” complaints.
- Save clothing and equipment; do not fix the bike yet.
- Avoid hasty insurer comments before you’ve had counsel review.
- Consult a local, reliable bike accidents attorney in Phoenix, AZ
These actions assist in establishing breach of duty under A.R.S. § 28-905 and support causation for Phoenix bicycle accident claims.
Most common defenses and how they’re rebutted
Insurance companies can claim you rode “too close” to cars parked along the road or ought to have expected the door. Arizona is a comparative negligence state and does consider both parties, but drivers need to make sure that it is safe before opening a door, and cyclists are not required to predict unlawful conduct.
Medical bills, lost time, and the way forward
Doorings cause wrist fractures, shoulder injuries, concussions, and sprains to the spine. A majority of riders are back at work in no time, but must suffer through imaging, therapy, or specialist visits. Claims typically pay for medical treatment, lost income, and pain and suffering, without having cost determinations here. If the fault could involve a public entity (e.g., a negligently surfaced lane), the 180-day notice of claim is necessary.
You don’t have to do this by yourself. A bicycle accident lawyer can examine pictures, obtain event data if possible, and arrange for doctors who are familiar with cycling injuries.
If a dooring or bike-lane crash upended your week, speak with a bike accidents attorney in Phoenix at Better Call Geoff. We’ll review your police report, medical notes, and photos, then map next steps on deadlines, coverage, and evidence—calmly and clearly. Contact Better Call Geoff today for a free case evaluation.